The spleen is responsible for filtering blood and removing old and damaged cells. , It is also an essential part of the immune system and glands in the body. Inflammation of the spleen is an abnormal condition, usually a physical product of underlying disease or apparent disease, and blood tests can be used to help diagnose underlying diseases that are associated with spleen enlargement.
As ultrasound and CT scans, MRI can help measure the size of the spleen and detect possible abnormalities present in the abdominal cavity. Treatment is directed to spleen swelling by treating the underlying disease. Splenectomy (removal of the spleen) may be part of this treatment.
What is spleen enlargement?
The spleen is a member located in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen below the diaphragm and protects it down the left ribs. The spleen has two important functions that are related to blood cells within the body. Where the spleen works to filter blood and remove old and damaged red blood cells, bacteria, and other molecules as they pass through blood vessels within the spleen. It produces lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that produces antibodies that help the immune system. The filtration system is part of the red pulp inside the white pulp of the spleen and involves the work of immune cells.
The spleen is a small member of a small fist or orange. Inflammation of the spleen describes the condition in which the spleen expands.
What causes spleen enlargement?
The spleen expands if it is required to do excessive work in the liquidation or manufacture of blood cells, if there is an abnormal flow of blood, or if it is invaded by a group of abnormal cells.
Red blood cells are abnormal: The spleen filters blood and removes abnormal blood cells from circulation, and diseases that lead to the production of abnormal red blood cells cause spleen enlargement. Some diseases such as sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and spherical erythrocytes are examples of diseases that form cells in an unusual form and can not be easily manipulated through small blood vessels and capillaries in the body. If they are not removed by the spleen, these abnormal cells can cause blood clots, reduce blood circulation and cause spleen tension, which causes it to swell. Viral infection, bacteriuria, intracranial vein pressure or blockage, as well as cancer and some metabolic diseases may lead to spleen enlargement.